Karnataka may ban construction in Bengaluru for 5 years

In view of the acute water shortage in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government is contemplating a five-year ban on the construction of apartment buildings in the state capital, deputy chief minister GParameshwara said on Thursday. Many buildings were being constructed in Bengaluru without paying any attention to the basic amenities required for residents, he told reporters. “Traffic and facilities cannot be regulated. In large constructions with about 3,000 flats there are equal number of vehicles but approach roads are not provided,” said Parameshwara. “In terms of drinking water, it is brought from some lake and given to the people, without checking if it is clean or not. Some people have complained that they are getting skin diseases because of this,” he added. “This is the reason we are thinking of enforcing a five-year ban on new apartment constructions,” the minister said. Karnataka is reeling under a severe drought and a delayed monsoon has played truant with the state. ShishirBaijal, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India on the ban in Bengaluru says, “The water crisis is a real condition in many cities across the country today which are staring into acute water shortages under conditions of delayed monsoons and depleting water tables. The construction and real estate sector has to take cognizance of this situation and move towards sustainable development processes. Processes combining conservation techniques, alternate technologies and recycling processes should to be made a part of future developments including real estate, infrastructure, manufacturing etc.”